Washington, PA – The Washington Wild Things, (16-23) presented by Washington Federal Savings Bank, were able to avoid being swept by the Florence Freedom winning 8–4 in the final game of the series at Consol Energy Park.

Florence broke through the gate first with a solo homerun by Tim Grogan in the second inning. A dropped fly-ball by Wild Thing Chris Sidick allowed another run to come around in the top of the third to give the Freedom a 2-0 lead. Looking to make up for his error, Sidick hit a double in the bottom frame. He came around to score when Phil Laurent struck a double of his own putting the Wild Things on the board 2-1.

The Wild Things put up a three runs in the fourth inning when Brett Grandstrand drove in Grant Psomas making it a one-run game. Sidick continued his stellar night at the plate driving in Grandstrand and tying the game 4-4 in the process.

After three and a half scoreless innings, the Wild Things came to the plate looking to take the lead. After an Ernie Banks leadoff walk, designated hitter Jacob Dempsey hit a two-run homerun to right field to put Washington up 6-4. After a double by Alan Robbins, a RBI single by Michael Parker and a sacrifice fly by Sidick gave Washington an 8-4 cushion, it was up to closer Nicholas Peterson to hold the lead, a lead which they wouldn’t relinquish.

Aaron Fuhrman earned the victory for Washington, his first of the season. Fuhrman went two innings out of the pen giving up no runs on one hit and walking one. Peterson came in for the save, his sixth on the season.

Washington starter Craig Snipp received a no decision keeping his record at 0-1 on the season. Snipp went six innings surrendering three earned runs with six strikeouts and two walks.

The Wild Things will travel to Kalamazoo to start a three game series on Friday. Broadcast on WJPA 95.3 FM begins at 6:55 with the first pitch coming at 7:05.